These are the definitions of
classic that apply to the cited example.
classic
4 a : AUTHENTIC, AUTHORITATIVE b : TYPICAL <a classic example of chicanery>
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionar...amp;va=classic
2. definitive: authoritative and perfect as a standard of its kind
a classic example of mixed metaphor English
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/featur...fid=1861597645
adjective
1 having all the characteristics or qualities that you expect:
He's a classic example of a kid who's clever but lazy.
He had all the classic symptoms of the disease.
2 INFORMAL DISAPPROVING bad or unpleasant, but not particularly surprising or unexpected:
It's classic - you arrive at the station on time and find that the train's left early.
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/defi...&dict=CALD
(2)b. Of a well-known type; typical: a classic mistake.
http://www.bartleby.com/61/99/C0389900.html
9. traditional or typical: a classic comedy routine.
http://www.infoplease.com/ipd/A0375322.html
adj.
2.
a. Adhering or conforming to established standards and principles: a classic piece of research.
b. Of a well-known type; typical: a classic mistake.
n.
4. A typical or traditional example.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=classic
:)